Mentoring partnership to build business capability and sustainability for firms in the construction sector

Construction Growth Foundation (CGF) are partnering with Business Mentors New Zealand (BMNZ) to deliver mentoring to help strengthen business capability in the construction sector. The initiative addresses a key issue for the sector, where smaller firms predominate and many struggle to maintain financial sustainability long term, as reflected by the fact that half close fewer than five years after beginning trading. 

CGF’s Chief Executive, Brian Dillon, says many small and medium-sized (SME) construction business owners are highly skilled in their trade or profession but may not have had the opportunity to build up business knowledge. 

“By offering this mentoring support, we’re responding to the need to develop business skills, which will ultimately benefit the sector as a whole. We’re delighted to partner with BMNZ given their track record of empowering kiwi businesses across a range of sectors for the past 34 years,” says Mr Dillon. 

BMNZ connects entrepreneurs and SME owners with experienced volunteer mentors who offer practical guidance on everything from managing staff to growing revenue and overcoming industry-specific challenges. 

BMNZ’s Chief Executive, Sarah Trotman, says the organisation has supported over 80,000 businesses to date, including some in the construction sector, and knows that support for trade businesses is urgently needed. 

“We know business owners in the construction trades and professions are facing significant pressures – from skills shortages to rapid growth demands. A mentor who has ‘been there and done that’ can make a huge difference. CGF’s support through this partnership enables us to reach more of these business owners and equip them with the guidance they need to succeed long term,” says Ms Trotman. 

Under the partnership agreement, CGF will fund mentoring registrations for 12 months from 1 May 2025, which will enable BMNZ’s mentoring support to be offered to small (up to 20 FTEs) businesses that are members of a CGF member association. Successful applicants will receive a year’s mentoring, gaining access to tailored, one-on-one support from BMNZ’s national pool of over 1,500 experienced volunteer mentors. 

CGF is an umbrella organisation that represents 17 construction industry associations. A core focus of its strategy is capability-building and skills development to support the long term resilience and sustainability of its member associations and the sector as a whole. 

For more information, visit: www.cgf.org.nz & www.businessmentors.org.nz 

CGF media contact: Jeanette Kumar, 027 324 4858 

BMNZ media contact: Hamish Williams, 027 475 4672